Tour notes

Each departure date has it's own dedicated tour note, detailing all you need to know about that tour. Whether you've already booked, or weighing up your options, please choose carefully the relevant itinerary for you.

We have the following different versions of the Camino De Santiago tour available at present.

Jon did a great job, made sure he spent time with everyone each day during the walk, constantly up and down the group (mixed ability so we had a tendency to spread out - he did a great job of keeping us in check), very attentive, picking up on individual interests and needs. One of the better leaders in my 8 Explore trips to date. Oh and very mature bearing in mind we were all at least twice his age! :)

Tour Code

CDS

5Adele,
16/05/14

What was the highlight or most memorable moment of your tour?

Walking varied terrain and staying in the beautiful stone village of O'Cebreiro with the round stone thatched pallozas. Then a beer at the end of a long day's walk with friends - perfect!

Brilliant! He managed the group with ease and good humour. Quickly evaluated everyone's abilities and allowed each to enjoy their own Camino experience.

What Tips Would You Give To Someone Else Booking This Tour

Ensure you have some walking experience to fully enjoy the journey.

Do You Have Anything Else To Add

I would have liked another day in O'Cebreiro.

5,
15/08/13

Name

Mary Barson

What Was The Highlight Or Most Memorable Moment Of Your Tour

Really on the Camino it is not one noteable experience that makes it so special but each day, each minute of the day there is something new to be found around you and inside you. It was a wonderful experience made very special by the people I was with and a wonderful tour leader, Boris. We saw some wonderful scenery and the walking was just great - some of it tough but as the week went by it got easier and at the end you just wanted to keep walking!! The inns and hotels were excellent, we were well fed and watered and Santiago de Compostela was the jewel in the crown. Thank you so very much.

How Was Your Explore Tour Leader

Marvellous - he was thoughtful and thought provoking without being intrusive. He allowed us to walk our own Camino and his attention to detail was fantastic. Two of the walkers had damaged boots on day two - he took them to a cobblers in Villa Franca and they were repaired there and then at the cost of 3 Euros for both pairs! The boots went on to complete the walking without any problems. It took less than half an hour just enough time for us to buy the picnic for lunch time. He was the best leader I have ever had!

What Tips Would You Give To Someone Else Booking This Tour

If you have any worries about whether you can do it just go for some long walks before you come along. There were varying degrees of abilities on the walk and we all managed very well and most of us were very proud of ourselves. I was always last because of a knee problem but I just did it at my own pace, everyone was great. Come on - you can do it. Good books, good socks and carry dry ones with you because you get pretty sweaty. Keep your day pack light, essentials only.

Do You Have Anything Else To Add

No - it was great.

5Ian Edward Jamieson,
10/10/12

What was the highlight or most memorable moment of your tour?

There were so many wonderful experiences amongst which were the changing terrain and countryside along the walks. Particularly enjoyed the towns of Leon and Astorga, and the Gaudi architecture. We stopped at a remote farm where Bert, our tour leader, interpreted a long conversation with an elderly farmer - absolutely fascinating and great fun. Food highlights were the pulpa restaurant and the fresh sardines at a beach cafe near Finisterre.

Exceptional. By far the best tour leader I have met. Great sense of humour, thorough understanding of the Camino, its people, cultures and terrain.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Travel light; be prepared to enjoy local dishes, wines and cultures. Book a trip that Bert is leading!!

Do you have anything else to add?

Wonderful holiday. Thanks

0David M Gordon,
22/09/10

I enjoy touring through Europe. I especially enjoy trekking my way through Europe because I see village life up close and personal. I can feel the restoration of my mind and body, with each next step. But of all the treks with EXPLORE I have enjoyed (~10 now), Camino de Santiago ranks as #1. Yes, the scenery is majestic and beautiful, and yes I lucked into rare sunny weather for my 3 weeks there (the rain in Spain falls mainly... in Galicia!), but also because our guide, Martin Paulus, simply was the best. Oh, sure, Martin took care of sorting out the logistics, and he got us from point A to point B safely. But those are the basics, what you expect from any tour leader. No, Martin went over, above, and beyond the call of duty. In Las Medulas, for example, Martin secretly arranged for an especially memorable dinner; the meal was not only at a restaurant none of us would ever have found, and likely never have tried had we found it, but Martin had the owners show us Celtic magic that had us oohing and aahing for hours. And then the locals serenaded us! Oh, did I mention the food was magnificent? It was. The phenomenal thing is that was only one night; Martin pulled off items like this for the entire near-2 weeks! No surprise that we 16 hardy but independent travelers quickly bonded into one unit; fast friends. I sometimes thought we would never make it to the next destination what with all the talking. Eleven months on, and I keep thinking about this trek. Which EXPLORE trek should I book next to capture a similar bit of magic? (CDS- 1st September 2009)